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Romans on the Rampage: Jail Break! (Romans on the Rampage #2)
by Jeremy StrongPerilus and his family are in trouble again! His dad has been arrested for stealing money from the Imperial Mint. Can Croakbag the talking raven save the day once more?
Romeo and/or Juliet: A choosable-path adventure
by Ryan North'Ridiculously fun . . . It is as hilarious and funny and strange as you would imagine . . . fantastic' BookRiot'Witty, relevant and endlessly entertaining' CultureflyWhat if Romeo never met Juliet? What if Juliet got really buff instead of moping around the castle all day? What if they teamed up to take over Verona with robot suits? In this New York Times bestselling version of Romeo and Juliet, you get to choose where the story goes. Packed with exciting choices, fun puzzles, secret surprises, terrible puns and more than a billion possible storylines, Romeo and/or Juliet offers a new experience every time you read it. And, as an added bonus, all the different endings feature beautiful and quirky illustrations by some of the best artists working today, including New York Times bestsellers Kate Beaton, Noelle Stevenson, Randall Munroe, and Jon Klassen.Whatever your adventure, you're guaranteed to find lots of romance, epic fight scenes and plenty of questionable decision-making by highly emotional teens.'Shakespeare with even more sex, cryptography, time travel and alternate endings than the original! Ryan North is the only writer I know who's smart enough and funny enough to pull this off' Lev Grossman, New York Times bestselling author of the Magicians trilogy
A Royal Disaster: From The Notebooks Of A Middle School Princess (The Princess Diaries #2)
by Meg CabotPreviously published as Take Two, A Royal Disaster is the second book in Meg Cabot's fantastically funny series, The Princess Diaries. Fourteen-year-old Mia Thermopolis is still struggling to come to terms with the fact that she's a princess – and heir to the throne of Genovia! But when she announces on national TV that her mum is pregnant by her algebra teacher and plans to marry him, a right-royal fuss results! Because now Mia's totally out-of-control Grandmere is all set to plan the year's biggest society wedding, with every A-list celeb invited. But will the bride and groom even turn up? And how can Mia find out the true identity of her mysterious secret admirer?
A Royal Vow Of Convenience: A Royal Vow Of Convenience / The Paternity Claim / The Housekeeper's Awakening (Mills And Boon Modern Ser.)
by Sharon Kendrick‘Full of drama, passion and emotion’ – Sarah Morgan on Sharon Kendrick His Princess under the covers…
The Ruby Redfort Collection: Feed The Fear; Pick Your Poison; Blink And You Die (Ruby Redfort)
by Lauren ChildBooks 4-6 in the super-awesome Ruby Redfort series! Hey, buster! Normal life is a total yawn. So break out boredom with multi-million-copy bestselling author Lauren Child, and meet your new favourite heroine… Ruby Redfort: detective, secret agent, thirteen-year-old kid.
Rules for Modern Life: A Connoisseur's Survival Guide
by Sir David TangDo gentlemen wear shorts? What are the rules regarding interior decor in a high-security prison? Is it ever acceptable to send Valentine's cards to one's pets?The twenty-first century is an age of innumerable social conundrums. Around every corner lies a potential faux pas waiting to happen. But if you've ever struggled for the right response to an unwelcome gift or floundered for conversation at the dinner party from hell, fear not: help is at hand.In Rules for Modern Life, Sir David Tang, resident agony uncle at the Financial Times, delivers a satirical masterclass in navigating the social niceties of modern life. Whether you're unsure of the etiquette of doggy bags or wondering whether a massage room in your second home would be de trop, Sir David has the answer to all your social anxieties - and much more besides.
Rules for My Daughter: Indispensable Advice From Someone Who’s Been There
by Walker LamondRules For My Daughter is a collection of traditional, humorous, and urbane fatherly advice for young women and girls. From internet dating ("Never trust a profile pic") to the practical ("The right friends will appreciate a well timed burp. Your grandmother will not.") to aiming high ("There's more to life than Being a passenger." Amelia Earhart), this endearing book of rules and quotations is the quintessential instruction manual for becoming a confident and industrious young woman. Hip and witty with a decidedly traditionalist flavour, Rules For My Daughter is meant to evoke simpler times when father knew best and a suitable answer to "Why?" was "Because I said so." Based on the hit blog and presented as a beautifully designed hardback, there is no better gift to celebrate the special relationship between father and daughter.
Rules for My Son: Indispensable Advice From Someone Who’s Been There
by Walker LamondRules For My Son is a collection of traditional, humorous, and urbane fatherly advice for boys. From the sartorial ("Men should not wear sandals. Ever") to the practical ("Keep a copy of your letters. It makes it easier for your biographer") to even a couple of sure-fire hangover cures ("There is no better remedy than a dip in the ocean"), the book of rules, photos and accompanying quotations is the quintessential instruction manual for becoming a Good Man - industrious, thoughtful, charming, and of course, well-dressed.Hip and witty with a decidedly traditionalist flavour, Rules for My Newborn Son is meant to evoke simpler times when Father knew best and a suitable answer to "Why?" was "Because I said so." Based on the hit blog and presented as a beautifully designed hardback, there is no better gift for the discerning father, father-to-be, or son, this Christmas.
Russell Brand: Comedy, Celebrity, Politics (Palgrave Studies in Comedy)
by Jane Arthurs Ben LittleRussell Brand is one of the most high profile and controversial celebrities of our time. A divisive figure, his ability to bounce back from adversity is remarkable. This book traces his various career stages through which he has done this, moving from comedy, to TV presenting; from radio to Hollywood films. It identifies how this eclectic career in entertainment both helped and hindered his high-profile move into political activism. Underpinning the book are interviews with leading activists and politicians, and sophisticated readings of Brand's performances, writing and on-screen work. There are sections on the Sachsgate scandal, his Newsnight interview with Jeremy Paxman, and his 2015 election intervention for aspiring Prime Minister Ed Miliband. It builds on scholarly work in the area of celebrity politics to develop an original analytic approach that blends the field theory of Pierre Bourdieu with the assemblage theory of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari.
A Sackful of Limericks
by Michael PalinIf you've ever wondered what happened to the young fellow from Malta who bought his grandfather an altar…If you're concerned about the camper called Jack who found a huge snake in his pack…And if you suspect that an eccentric landowner called Grey spent Christmas a very strange way but aren't sure precisely what that entailed…Then a dip into Michael Palin's Sackful of Limericks will provide all the answers – and a lot of fun besides.
Sad Animal Facts
by Brooke BarkerThe New York Times bestseller.A delightfully quirky compendium of the Animal Kingdom's more unfortunate truths, with over 150 hand-drawn illustrations to make you laugh and cry. Have you ever wondered how expensive a jar of honey would be if a minimum wage for bees applied, or whether a dog cares what's on television when they sit next to you? Once you enter Brooke Barker's world, you'll never see animals in the same way again. This melancholy menagerie pairs the sweet and sad facts of animal life with their hilarious thoughts and reactions. Sneakily informative, and beautifully illustrated, Sad Animal Facts by Brooke Barker is the perfect book for animal lovers (and haters) everywhere.
Satire: Theatrical Satire In The Age Of Walpole (Forms of Drama)
by Joel SchechterSatire reconsiders the entertainment, political dissent and comic social commentary created by innovative writers and directors since this theatrical form took the stage in ancient Athens. From Aristophanes to the 18th-century plays of John Gay and Henry Fielding, to the creations of Joan Littlewood, Bertolt Brecht, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Erika Mann, Brendan Behan and Dario Fo, practitioners of theatrical satire have prompted audiences to laugh at corruption, greed, injustice and abusive authority.In the theatre these artists jested at prominent citizens, scandals and fashions. In retrospect it can be seen that their topical references, allegories and impersonations also promoted intervention in public discourse and events outside the theatre, as satire extended its reach beyond the stage into society.Satire focuses on three exemplary satiric plays: The Knights by Aristophanes, The Beggar's Opera by John Gay and The Hostage by Brendan Behan under Joan Littlewood's direction. Detailed discussion of these three innovative works reveals both changes and continuities in stage satire over the course of its long, hilarious history. The survey concludes with a discussion of stage satire as an endangered art in need of preservation by actors, directors and theatre historians.
Say Ja to Hygge!: A parody: How to find your special cosy place
by Dr Magnus OlsensenHilarious tongue-in-cheek guide to the Danish "hygge" lifestyle.This book came about after a particularly hyggelig evening in December 2015. I had just lit my pleasing contemporary wood-burner and was sitting back, gløgg in hand, listening to Terj Dørk's classic drøn jazz album "Tepid in Taarstrup'. I found myself reflecting on the fact that we are the World's Happiest People™. Wasn't it time, I thought, we shared our secret? I immediately called around three of the Institute of Wellbeing's brightest young researchers: Freja, Olaf and Sofia. We sat together snug in my pure wool 'foursie', bathed on soft fire-light, and talked long into the evening. The idea came over us unexpectedly. We would publish a book, explaining hygge for the betterment of all mankind. I'm delighted that we have succeeded. And I hope our efforts will help you to find your own hygge-topia. Held og lykke!"Dr Magnus OlsensenDirector, Institute of Wellbeing, Aarhus***The Danish "hygge" (pronounced 'huhhpg-ghuhrr') lifestyle is all about feeling snug, gentle, warm and satisfied - ideally, self-satisfied.But how should you go about finding your special cosy place?Let Dr Magnus Olsensen be your hilarious guide to finding hygge in every area of your life - from the office to the bedroom. Hygge is derived from the Old Norse words hig, meaning cosy, and ger, meaning fire hazard. It is, in essence, a state of mind. (One that is heavily dependent on candles.) For some, achieving hygge will come easily. Others may have to work a little harder. But if you put in the hours - and follow the guidance in Say Ja to Hygge! - you will find your own hygge-topia. You will have become, in spirit, Danish. And - as the old song goes - there is nothing like a Dane!This truly hilarious send-up of hygge culture is a work of timely comic genius.
Scarlett Says
by Scarlett MoffattQueen of the SofaQueen of the JungleQueen of the one-liner The Sunday Times Number 1 Bestseller 'Scarlett Says is absolutely brilliant and really funny. Half autobiography, half mad woman on a roundabout shouting at the traffic.' - Alan Carr'My absolutely favourite Goggleboxer has a book out and it's brilliant.' - Richard Osman We all love a bit of Scarlett Moffatt. After years of making us crack up on Channel 4’s Gogglebox, in 2016 she won the nation over with her wit, and genuine, no-nonsense attitude to life, as she was crowned Queen of the Jungle on I’m a Celebrity Get me out of Here.In Scarlett Says, she takes us through all of life’s biggest issues, from Tinder to tooth fairies and everything in between. This is an honest, revealing and very funny guide to the modern world from everyone’s favourite girl-next-door.
Scrambled
by Huw DaviesFourteen-year-old ‘model pupil’ Davidde (his parents had trouble spelling) lives with his dad after his mother died. His father does his best, but when a new headteacher starts at his valleys school, Davidde is unfairly labelled a troublemaker. To the horror of his teachers, Davidde finds a new passion for mortorcycle scrambling. At last he is able to take on the school bullies, earning himself the longed-for respect of his father, not to mention the mysterious Black Rider. But when his determination to succeed leads him to betray the trust of those closest to him, events threaten to overwhelm Davidde.
Screen Comedy and Online Audiences (Routledge Research in Cultural and Media Studies)
by Inger-Lise Kalviknes BoreThe question of why we laugh (or don't laugh) has intrigued scholars since antiquity. This book contributes to that debate by exploring how we evaluate screen comedy. What kinds of criteria do we use to judge films and TV shows that are meant to be funny? And what might that have to do with our social and cultural backgrounds, or with wider cultural ideas about film, TV, comedy, quality and entertainment? The book examines these questions through a study of audience responses posted to online facilities such as Twitter, Facebook, review sites, blogs and message boards. Bore’s analysis of these responses considers a broad range of issues, including how audiences perceive the idea of "national" comedy; what they think of female comedians; how they evaluate romcoms, sitcoms and web comedy; what they think is acceptable to joke about; what comedy fans get excited about; how fans interact with star comedians; and what comedy viewers really despise. The book demonstrates some of the ways in which we can adapt theories of humour and comedy to examine the practices of contemporary screen audiences, while offering new insights into how they negotiate the opportunities and constrictions of different online facilities to share their views and experiences.
Screen Comedy and Online Audiences (Routledge Research in Cultural and Media Studies)
by Inger-Lise Kalviknes BoreThe question of why we laugh (or don't laugh) has intrigued scholars since antiquity. This book contributes to that debate by exploring how we evaluate screen comedy. What kinds of criteria do we use to judge films and TV shows that are meant to be funny? And what might that have to do with our social and cultural backgrounds, or with wider cultural ideas about film, TV, comedy, quality and entertainment? The book examines these questions through a study of audience responses posted to online facilities such as Twitter, Facebook, review sites, blogs and message boards. Bore’s analysis of these responses considers a broad range of issues, including how audiences perceive the idea of "national" comedy; what they think of female comedians; how they evaluate romcoms, sitcoms and web comedy; what they think is acceptable to joke about; what comedy fans get excited about; how fans interact with star comedians; and what comedy viewers really despise. The book demonstrates some of the ways in which we can adapt theories of humour and comedy to examine the practices of contemporary screen audiences, while offering new insights into how they negotiate the opportunities and constrictions of different online facilities to share their views and experiences.
Searching for a Silver Lining
by Miranda DickinsonBoth heartbreaking and affirming, Miranda Dickinson's Searching for a Silver Lining is perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern and JoJo Moyes.Matilda Bell is left heartbroken when she falls out with her beloved grandfather just before he dies. Haunted by regret, she makes a promise that will soon change everything . . . When spirited former singing star Reenie Silver enters her life, Mattie seizes the opportunity to make amends. Together, Mattie and Reenie embark on an incredible journey that will find lost friends, uncover secrets from the glamorous 1950s and put right a sixty-year wrong.Touchingly funny, warm and life-affirming, this is a sparkling story of second chances. Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Searching for a Silver Lining by Miranda Dickinson will take you on a trip you'll never forget.
Secret Agent Mummy: The Hieroglyphs of Horror (Secret Agent Mummy #3)
by Steve ColeNiall Rivers's life changed for ever when he met a strange, clumsy figure wrapped in bandages, and now his adventures with the last surviving ancient mummy detective continue. This time, the pair are up against: a bunch of snap-happy crocodiles; some spooky magic symbols; a tartan-clad McMummy and a power-mad Ancient Egyptian god.Could it be CRUNCH TIME for the Secret Agent Mummy?Packed with black and white illustrations, real facts about Ancient Egypt, plus fun and action on every page, this is the third book in a brilliant new series by Steve Cole.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Penguin Modern Classics Series)
by James ThurberThe very best of James Thurber's hilarious short stories and essays, to tie-in with the major new film starring Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig. Walter Mitty is an ordinary man living an ordinary life. But he has dreams - vivid, extraordinary day dreams - in which the life he leads is one of excitement and even adventure, in which he - a weary, put upon middle-aged man - is the hero of his own story. A man can dream, can't he?The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is just one of the brilliant humorous and witty stories written by James Thurber and collected here.James Thurber was born in 1894 at Columbus, Ohio, where, as he once said, so many awful things happened to him. After university (Ohio State) he worked at the American Embassy in Paris from 1918 to 1920, and then turned to journalism. From 1927 onwards he was on the staff of the New Yorker, and first published much of his work in it. He died in New York in 1961, and is today recognised as one of America's greatest twentieth-century humourists.
The Secret of Orchard Cottage
by Alex Brown‘An intriguing and heart-warming story you will love’ Katie Fforde
The Secret Twin: More Than He Expected Twins On The Way His Heir, Her Honor (Mills And Boon Desire Ser. #8)
by Catherine MannBack from the dead, this heiress wants answers… But will she find love?
Secrets At Maple Syrup Farm
by Rebecca Raisin‘[Rebecca Raisin] is a modern Maeve Binchy’ - Books for Bunny A truly decadent and delicious romance, perfect for long summer days and nights Maple sugar kisses
Secrets at the Little Village School: Book 5 in the beautifully uplifting Little Village School series (Little Village School)
by Gervase PhinnThe fifth Little Village School novel.'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper. 'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.'In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for sure: for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again.
The Senses of Humor: Self and Laughter in Modern America
by Daniel WickbergWhy do modern Americans believe in something called a sense of humor, and how did they come to that belief? Daniel Wickberg traces the relatively short cultural history of the concept to its British origins as a way to explore new conceptions of the self and social order in modern America. More than simply the history of an idea, Wickberg's study provides new insights into a peculiarly modern cultural sensibility.The expression "sense of humor" was first coined in the 1840s, and the idea that such a sense was a personality trait to be valued developed only in the 1870s. What is the relationship between medieval humoral medicine and this distinctively modern idea of the sense of humor? What has it meant in the past 125 years to declare that someone lacks a sense of humor? Why do modern Americans say it is a good thing not to take oneself seriously? How is the joke, as a twentieth-century quasi-literary form, different from the traditional folktale? Wickberg addresses these questions among others and in the process uses the history of ideas to throw new light on the way contemporary Americans think and speak about humor and laughter.The context of Wickberg's analysis is Anglo-American; the specifically British meanings of humor and laughter from the sixteenth century forward provide the framework for understanding American cultural values in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The genealogy of the sense of humor is, like the study of keywords, an avenue into a significant aspect of the cultural history of modernity. Drawing on a wide range of sources and disciplinary perspectives, Wickberg's analysis challenges many of the prevailing views of modern American culture and suggests a new model for cultural historians.